Providing a lifetime of support for a life full of opportunities
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April 2023
2023 – On a Mission to Serve More Families Than Ever Before!
After a record year serving families in 2022, we set our sights even higher for 2023. We have an urgency to continue to serve more families, better ensuring they receive the supports they need, when they need it.
In the first quarter of this year (January 1 – March 31), we have already served 508 families of our annual goal of 1,000 families. I am so proud of our Team and the work they continue doing each day to not only reach families we have yet to support, but also to continue focusing on outcomes and progress for the individuals and families we serve now.
We are on track to serve more families than ever before, with our focus being on providing life-changing services and supports that will help each individual live life to its fullest potential.
This quarter, we also celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st by not only hosting our Drive Thru Celebration, but also by visiting the Kansas State Capitol and sharing the challenges our community faces and the work we are doing related to employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Be sure to check out the news coverage of our event and the video from our visit to the Capitol below!
The nature of our organization and the ways that we pivot, allowing us to innovate and shift gears to better serve families gives us the opportunity to try new things based on the outcomes we discover every day—as we serve people with Down syndrome of all ages. We continue to add educational opportunities and ways for families to connect as this has been an ongoing need expressed within our ongoing conversations with families.
While we have more to do, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your role in making it possible for us to deliver our mission! Whether you help spread the word about our services, volunteer at one of our events, make a gift that we invest directly into the families we serve—we can’t do this without you. Thank you! Your belief in our mission helps us to continue to dream big!
Warmest regards,
Jason
We found out our son, Asher, had Down syndrome in the hospital after he was born. We were shocked and didn’t know what that meant for all of us. The nurse gave me an information booklet about Down Syndrome Innovations and shared our information with them! They reached out to us right away!
The day I was discharged, Grace (Hunter, Family and Outreach Coordinator) came to visit me. She had a big basket full of resources, books, baby gifts and supplies, shirts and information. She gave me a great big hug and told me about her sister (who also has Down syndrome). Her demeanor was so relaxing that it made me relax!
Being connected with Down Syndrome Innovations has eased so much of my anxiety. We went to the New Parent Gathering and getting to see so many people coming together, even prenatal moms, and hearing stories—especially the victory stories—was so helpful.
I’ve never seen so many people with Down syndrome in one room! It was amazing and I loved it! Seeing everyone together—the unity of everyone there—made me realize we are part of one community!
~Ashley Black
Mother of Asher (15 months old)
Photographed above: Ashley Black and her family! Photographed below: baby Asher!
How Kansas City Groups are Rethinking the Job Market for Workers with Disabilities
In early April, Down Syndrome Innovations teamed up with The Transition Academy and Sherwood Autism Center for the 2nd Annual KC DiversAbility College & Career Fair with over 300 attendees! Prior to the event, we were honored to join Steve Kraske on “Up-to-Date” on NPR!
Our Employment Coordinator, Amanda Meyers, shared how our partnerships with organizations across the Metro are not only benefiting people with IDD, but also benefiting the employers!
Down Syndrome Innovations Hosts 2nd Annual "Drive Thru Celebration!"
Over 100 cars filled with families of people (and babies!) with Down syndrome joined us for our Drive Thru Celebration on World Down Syndrome Day 3/21! Thank you to all of our staff, community partners (including the Chiefs), volunteers, and friends who joined us in making each person feel celebrated by cheering, dancing, handing out goodies and gifts!
Special thanks to WDAF-TV FOX4 who visited with us and shared our story! Together, we make an impact!
World Down Syndrome Day: Kansas State Capitol Visit with State Representative Jason Goetz
On World Down Syndrome Day, we were invited to visit the Kansas State Capitol by State Representative Jason Goetz! From receiving a standing ovation on the House floor to sharing our stories, challenges, and the important work we are doing in support of the Down syndrome community...we are very grateful for being included and heard!
Thank you to everyone who made this very special day at the Capitol such a success!
Check out our video with snapshots from this very exciting day!
Your support in the past has helped us to not only serve more families, but also to expand our programs and services to better meet the needs of people with Down syndrome.
In these times of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope—that together, we can CHANGE LIVES!
Thank you for your support of our mission and the families we serve!
Stay Connected!
